• About
  • Letting Go Of____??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #66

Bible Ballistics

~ A WordPress.com site

Bible Ballistics

Category Archives: Jesus Is Truth

What Are You “IN”to??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No. 03

05 Sunday Feb 2023

Posted by Blanche in IN Jesus!, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Peter 5:6-8, Abiding In Jesus, Acts 17:27-28, Ephesians 6:10-18, IN Jesus!, John 14:6, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 6:9-13, Resting In Jesus, Salvation In Jesus

What Are You “IN”to??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No.03

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers

of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins

girt about with truth,

and having on

the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield

of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet

of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

While I often refer to the “armor of God” as an essential of our spiritual walk, growth, and dependence on our Lord, I want us to spend a short time today looking at the preface, and as I often teach in my classes, important things are often found in the small details, so let’s take a look.  Paul often sums up his teachings with the phrase, “finally my brethren”, summing up some conclusions from his teachings.

“be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might”

We have to keep our “eyes on Jesus”, and Paul makes it clear that we can only find our strength “in the Lord” and “in the power of his might”.  It is easy for us to think that we simply have to put on the “armor” and then take off on our own, but Paul makes it very clear to us that we MUST keep our dependence set “IN” The Lord!  Our strength must be rooted and grounded “IN” Jesus, “in the power of his might”–NOT our own!  It is so easy to get off track and let the enemy convince us that we can do it all on our own!  Jesus makes it clear over and over again that HE is our strength, and we not only don’t ‘have to’ but we’re not ‘supposed to’!

“Come unto me,

all ye that labour

and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest

unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy,

and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Another way to keep ourselves on track is to remember some instructions from our Lord.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever.

Amen.”  Matthew 6:9-13

Jesus makes it clear that we are to remember that our heart and prayer is to be “THY” kingdom come, “THY” will be done, IN ME!  We are to be “IN” tune with our Lord, “IN” Jesus we are to “live”!

“That they should seek the Lord,

if haply they might feel after him,

and find him,

though he be not far

from every one of us:

28 For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being;

as certain also of your own poets have said,

For we are also his offspring.”  Acts 17:27-28

Jesus IS the only way, our only hope, and sufficient to sustain us in our walk every day!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

 And in closing, Peter reminds us that God is our pursuit “IN” holiness; and that our only defense from the enemy (the roaring lion/Satan, but as I heard long ago, our enemy may be a lion, but with/in Jesus, he is toothless!) is “IN” Jesus!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion, walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:”  1 Peter 5:6-8

Humility is the key–and while humility isn’t being a doormat, it does mean yielding to the authority, love, and sovereignty of God.  IN HIM you’ll find all you need.

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No. 01

23 Monday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Church:Dead Or Alive?, JESUS, Jesus is our peace, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, The Crucified Life

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Are you being the Church?, Church Wanted, Ephesians 2:1-6, Ephesians 4:11-16, Jeremiah 20:9, Jesus died for HIS own, John 14:6, John 1:10-13, John 1:29, John 3:3-7, John 4:10-26, Luke 13:3-5, Revelation 3:20, ROMANS 12:18, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, The Bride of Christ, The church

Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No.01

As we have looked at issues relating to the condition of the Church–The Bride of Jesus Christ–I would like us to examine the church from a different perspective.  We so often get caught up in the building or the denomination, or the doctrinal differences, and while buildings are nice, they are not the church.  While denominations come from differences of beliefs and understandings of scripture, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, for what we believe is important, but what we have often forgotten is that the church isn’t any of these things–the church is an organism, the living, breathing, bride of Jesus Christ, not just an organization.

Organism: a form of life composed of mutually interdependent parts that maintain various vital processes…

Organization: something that is organized; the state or manner of being organized…

This organism is alive by the power, grace, and redemption of The Lord Jesus Christ.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Paul makes it clear that we have life from, in, with, and through Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God, by whose blood we are made alive (quickened means to be made alive).

“And you

hath he quickened,

who were dead

in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also

we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling

the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us

together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up

together,

and made us sit

together in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:1-6

Let’s walk through this together, Jesus makes it clear that HE IS “life”; Paul goes on to paint a picture of this “life”.  He says that we are “dead in sins”, “children of wrath”, and “children of disobedience” without Jesus!  Not a pleasant picture, but a true one!  Yet verse 4 is one of my favorite phrases in all of scripture, “BUT GOD”! But God made a way for us to become HIS children, by the blood of The Lamb of God, Jesus, who came to save us by taking care of our sin problem–he gave HIS life to pay our sin debt at Calvary!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Even as John the Baptizer proclaimed:

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him,

and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God,

which taketh away the sin of the world.”  John 1:29

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, on the night he came seeking answers.  And HE is still answering questions today–yours and mine–for HE is the answer to our every need! (I encourage you to read all of John chapter 3 today–it is so amazing!)

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb,

and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

Even as Jesus shared with the Samaritan woman at the well:

“10 Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water…

….14 But whosoever drinketh

of the water that I shall give him

shall never thirst;

but the water that I shall give him

shall be in him a well of water

springing up

into everlasting life.

15 The woman saith unto him,

Sir, give me this water,

that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw…

….23 But the hour cometh, and now is,

when the true worshippers

shall worship the Father

in spirit

and in truth:

for the Father seeketh such

to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him

must worship him

in spirit and in truth.

25 The woman saith unto him,

I know that Messias cometh,

which is called Christ:

when he is come,

he will tell us all things.

26 Jesus saith unto her,

I that speak unto thee

am he.”  Portions of John 4:10-26

Not only did Jesus reveal Himself to a Samaritan, but a Samaritan ‘woman’!  Something unheard of in that day and time, but Jesus wants us to know that He came for all who would repent, receive, and believe in this same revelation that HE made to this woman, who received the message that HE IS the Messiah for all, and then spread it abroad!

“I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen,

upon whom the tower in Siloam fell,

and slew them,

think ye that they were sinners

above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay:

but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke 13:3-5

Salvation is available to all who will come to Jesus in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice which HE made at Calvary!  Friends, all who will receive HIM and be born again ARE the church!  A part of the “body of Christ”(the church in its entirety), yet we are also to be a part of a local body of believers for sustenance, spiritual growth, fellowship, service, and ministry both individually and corporately, as needs warrant, and as our gifts supply.  WE ARE THE BODY–and while I won’t take time to cover all that Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12-14, I do want to call us to take heed to the things that Paul wrote about “the body” –here’s Blanche’s paraphrase: our parts don’t walk around independently–I can’t imagine a funnier and scary sight–but that is how many churches function today!  But God calls us to pursue HIM, not self, and when we do, unity can and should prevail, for our gifts are given by God, and God holds us accountable to use them according to HIS WORD with selfless love of God and others–both the saved and the lost.

“And he gave some,

apostles;

and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure

of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth

be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about

with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait

to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted

by that which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself in love.”  Ephesians 4:11-16

And Paul’s message to the Corinthian believers was a call to serve in humility and recognition that our gifts are given by God–not by the will of man for self-exaltation.  And I believe when you are gifted by God, and submit to His will for your life, HE will direct your ways to fulfill your calling and edify others.  Even as Jeremiah said of his calling, and I know that many share his declaration of the burning of God in our heart!

“Then I said,

I will not make mention of him,

nor speak any more in his name.

But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire

shut up in my bones,

and I was weary with forbearing,

and I could not stay.” Jeremiah 20:9’

“Now there are diversities of gifts,

but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations,

but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations,

but it is the same God

which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit

is given to every man

to profit withal.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Peter gives a most concise summary of how we are to use our giftings–for God, as good stewards of God’s provision, and to GOD’s glory not our own!

“As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same

one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability

which God giveth:

that God in all things

may be glorified through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise

and dominion

for ever and ever.

Amen.”  1 Peter 4:10-11

So, my questions about the church are for you and me: “Am I being “the church” to God’s glory?”  “Have I been born again, and received a gifting that I am not using for God’s glory?”  “Is my life outside of the corporate church building a shining light for Jesus, or a shame to HIS name?”  “Am I yielded to God’s work in me, or going my own way; then showing up on Sunday for HIS blessings on my disobedience and sin?”  Please know that I am not throwing rocks, just asking us to consider if we are part of the problem or part of the solution!  May we love, care and yield ourselves to our King–caring and praying, not gossiping!

Many years ago, God gave me a way to stop being a conduit for “gossip” presented in the form of a “prayer request”; when someone called or asked me about something in this vein, I started stopping them before they began to “share” something that “I needed to know”, I would ask simply and kindly, “Are YOU a part of the problem?” (and the answer was almost always, NO!). “Are YOU part of the solution?” (and the answer was always, NO!). So I would tell them, ‘then you don’t need to be repeating this to me or anyone else’!  At first when I would do this, I’d get the stammers and stutters of “but…but…but” to which I would reiterate, I don’t need to hear it if you’re not a part of the problem or the solution–just pray to God who knows “who is who” and “what is what”!  Let’s walk in unity, love, and as one of my favorite reminders says:

“If it be possible,

as much as lieth in you,

live peaceably

with all men.”  Romans 12:18

Please know that I’m praying for each of us who belong to Jesus to seek HIS face, and walk accordingly, that the church can once again BE the church, and “withstand in the evil day”!

And my friend, if you don’t know Jesus, you can come to HIM today!

“For all have sinned,

and come short

of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Church let’s BE the church–today…and today…and today! Until our Lord calls us to Himself or will “Revive US Again”! Even so Lord Jesus!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

What “Form” Of Godliness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

18 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Following Jesus, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Which form?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2 Timothy 3:1-5, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding In The Vine, Choosing to follow Jesus, Jesus IS the way, Jesus Saves!, John 1:10-13, John 3:3-7, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, What form do you possess?

What “Form” Of Godliness???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul was instructing this young pastor in many things, including verse 2:15 where he instructed him to “study to shew yourself approved UNTO GOD” (emphasis mine), and then as he continues in chapter 3, he reminds him of the veracity (look it up!) of scripture, and its power to establish our way.  So what is this “form of godliness”?  I think it is the very thing that Jesus talks about in Matthew chapter 7, those who want to impress, succeed, progress, profit, or fit in–regardless of their reasons– those who want to do it their way, but claim to be working “for God” but “denying the power thereof”!  Those who aren’t willing to come to God and let Him work in or through them, for they are too busy doing it ”my way”!  Just as it was then, it is still the same today.  Let’s see what Jesus said about it.

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:4-5

I believe that “form of godliness” is the work we do “without” Jesus!  You can talk the talk, and even pretend to walk the walk, but without really knowing and possessing Jesus, and being HIS child, you/I can do little of real value, and virtually of no value to the kingdom of God.  In fact Jesus told Nicodemus something very similar to this– he was a high-placed religious leader– which reminds us that we can have men’s credentials without having Jesus!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

The Apostle John also wrote about this in chapter 1.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Remember the “power” that was denied in 2 Timothy 3 is the power that saves; and just as John says above it’s not by blood (birth, relationships), not by flesh (working it up), nor the will of man (passed on by any other person)!  As the old proverb says, “every pot must sit on its own bottom”!  What are you counting on?  Let’s see what Jesus says.

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he

that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Earlier in this chapter Jesus makes another profound assessment of life choices, which is still true today!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

So, my question for us all is, “Do you/I only have a “form of godliness”?” Or have you been “born again” by the blood of the Lamb which cleanses us from all sin, for Jesus is THE ONLY WAY!

“For all have sinned,

 and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

May I Hide Myself IN THEE??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 26

01 Sunday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Choices And Consequences, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, One Foundation, Only One Way

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Acts 4:10-12, Jesus is knocking at your door, Jesus Is The Only Way!, John 11:25-27, John 14:6, May I Hide Myself IN THEE?, Only One Way, Proverbs 22:1-21, Psalm 119:133, Rock Of Ages, The rock, The way the truth and the life!

May I Hide Myself IN THEE???     Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 26

“A good name

is rather to be chosen

than great riches,

and loving favour

rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together:

the LORD is the maker

of them all.

3 A prudent man

foreseeth the evil,

and hideth himself:

but the simple

pass on,

and are punished.

4 By humility

and the fear of the LORD

are riches,

and honour,

and life…

….17 Bow down thine ear,

and hear the words of the wise,

and.

18 For it is a pleasant thing

if thou keep them within thee;

they shall withal be fitted

in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the LORD,

I have made known to thee this day,

even to thee.

20 Have not I written to thee

excellent things

in counsels

and knowledge,

21 That I might make thee know

the certainty of the words of truth;

that thou mightest answer the words of truth

to them that send unto thee?”  Proverbs 22:1-4 & 17-21

This passage that I read this morning just hit me as a great verse for this New Year’s Day!  That we truly might strive to pursue God’s truth and heed the words of the Psalmist in that same vein!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth

in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

“Order my steps

in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

All of this brings me to share an old song, that doesn’t seem to be sung very much anymore, yet it is so full of truth and a powerful reminder that it’s all about Jesus.

Rock Of Ages by Augustus M. Toplady

1.Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure
.

2.Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone
.

3.Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die
.

4.While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee
.

So, I have but a few simple questions for us today: where are you hiding?  What are you hiding behind?  Where is your confidence placed?  If the answer to all of these isn’t JESUS, you might want to reconsider your choices.  It is your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him

doth this man stand here before you

whole.

11 This is the stone,

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become

the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4:10-12

Jesus is that stone, and HE made it clear that HE was, is and ever shall be “the only way” –you can trust in Him, or set HIM at nought as many did all those years ago!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

And Jesus told Martha the same thing in a different way.

“Jesus said unto her,

I am the resurrection,

and the life:

he that believeth in me,

though he were dead,

yet shall he live:

26 And whosoever liveth

and believeth in me

shall never die.

Believest thou this?

27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord:

I believe that thou art the Christ,

the Son of God,

which should come into the world.”                    John 11:25-27

Will you proceed through 2023 with Jesus or rely on something or someone else?  The choice is yours, but choose wisely, there is a test.

Amen and Amen!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

What Greater Joy??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 24

12 Monday Dec 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Lies, Lies That Defeat Us, Life or Death?, The Things of God, The Word, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Truth, Truth is True, Words Matter

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

3 John 1:1-4, Celebrating Jesus--The truth, Examine yourself., Jesus Is Truth, John 14:6, John 15:17-21, John 15:5, John 17:14-21, Romans 8:28-32, Romans 8:33-39, Trust to Jesus--HE IS TRUTH, Truth is True, Will we live truth?

What Greater Joy???         Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 24

“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius,

whom I love in the truth.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things

that thou mayest prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.

3 For I rejoiced greatly,

when the brethren came and testified

of the truth that is in thee,

even as thou walkest in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy

than to hear

that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:1-4

While I know this sounds like a strange Christmas message, I wanted to take this time to remind each of us (myself at the top of that list!) that Jesus IS TRUTH! Why does that matter?  Because if we aren’t walking in Jesus–IN TRUTH–then we aren’t walking the way that God would have us to walk.  It was Jesus’ prayer for His own before He left this world, along with His declaration in John 14, that HE IS TRUTH!  And truth is not only important–it is vital to LIFE!

“I have given them thy word;

and the world hath hated them,

because they are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not

that thou shouldest take them out of the world,

but that thou shouldest

keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world,

even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them

through thy truth:

thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world,

even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes

I sanctify myself,

that they also might be sanctified

through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone,

but for them also

which shall believe on me

through their word;

21 That they all may be one;

as thou, Father, art in me,

and I in thee,

that they also may be one in us:

that the world may believe

that thou hast sent me.”  John 17:14-21

(or as I just wrote ‘accidentally’–JESUS 17:14-21, as this is His High Priestly prayer for His disciples, but also for you and me who follow Him!)

Why the focus on “truth”?  Because contrary to popular belief, truth IS NOT subjective to man’s whims, but God has set truth in HIS Word, and HIS Son, whose incarnation we are celebrating at this time of year.  Jesus IS truth and it’s what He has called us to walk in–with HIM, for HE IS truth!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Not to oversimplify, but if we claim the name of Jesus and walk in anything other than the “truth” we are being hypocritical!  Yet, how can we walk in the “truth” if we don’t know “truth”, Jesus Himself?  We can’t!  Truth isn’t just a set of facts, although it includes facts, but it is founded in and based on the ultimate expression of “the truth” —JESUS!  So, I think the question becomes rather simple; do I know truth?  Do I know Jesus, and if I do, I need to know HIS Word so I can walk obediently with Him, and see God work that Word into me! (See Phil. 2:5-12)

“And we know that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also

freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-32

And just as amazingly, Paul reminds us of the assurance, power, and authority we have IN Him, and IN His Word when we walk according to its precepts and truth!  May we take some time during this celebration and exam ourselves and see how our lives align to the life that Jesus has empowered us to live according to The Word of God.  For remember, IN JESUS, we WIN!!

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed

all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep

for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                   Romans 8:33-39

Yet, there are a few other thoughts that I’d like to share for our consideration; Jesus told us that it wouldn’t be easy to follow Him, just as it wasn’t easy for Him to walk this earth and proclaim God’s truth to people who didn’t want to hear it!  He calls us to stand fast in this “evil day”!

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:17-21

And praise God we don’t have to do it on our own, don’t even try!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5. AMEN!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 486 other subscribers

Recent Posts

  • Praising No Matter The Storm??? A Word from THE WORD!!!
  • What’s On YOUR Mind??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #80
  • Grateful For God’s Mercy??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #79
  • Biblical Boundaries Matter??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #78
  • Lifting Up Jesus Or ‘Me’??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #77

Archives

  • March 2023 (11)
  • February 2023 (9)
  • January 2023 (10)
  • December 2022 (10)
  • November 2022 (17)
  • October 2022 (8)
  • September 2022 (11)
  • August 2022 (14)
  • July 2022 (10)
  • June 2022 (11)
  • May 2022 (11)
  • April 2022 (10)
  • March 2022 (10)
  • February 2022 (10)
  • January 2022 (7)
  • December 2021 (9)
  • November 2021 (9)
  • October 2021 (10)
  • September 2021 (9)
  • August 2021 (10)
  • July 2021 (10)
  • June 2021 (12)
  • May 2021 (9)
  • April 2021 (11)
  • March 2021 (10)
  • February 2021 (10)
  • January 2021 (13)
  • December 2020 (9)
  • November 2020 (11)
  • October 2020 (8)
  • September 2020 (9)
  • August 2020 (11)
  • July 2020 (12)
  • June 2020 (11)
  • May 2020 (12)
  • April 2020 (13)
  • March 2020 (13)
  • February 2020 (11)
  • January 2020 (14)
  • December 2019 (11)
  • November 2019 (12)
  • October 2019 (12)
  • September 2019 (13)
  • August 2019 (13)
  • July 2019 (12)
  • June 2019 (11)
  • May 2019 (13)
  • April 2019 (11)
  • March 2019 (14)
  • February 2019 (12)
  • January 2019 (13)
  • December 2018 (12)
  • November 2018 (13)
  • October 2018 (13)
  • September 2018 (10)
  • August 2018 (14)
  • July 2018 (11)
  • June 2018 (13)
  • May 2018 (11)
  • April 2018 (13)
  • March 2018 (13)
  • February 2018 (12)
  • January 2018 (13)
  • December 2017 (12)
  • November 2017 (12)
  • October 2017 (13)
  • September 2017 (13)
  • August 2017 (13)
  • July 2017 (13)
  • June 2017 (13)
  • May 2017 (13)
  • April 2017 (11)
  • March 2017 (14)
  • February 2017 (12)
  • January 2017 (9)
  • December 2016 (13)
  • November 2016 (14)
  • October 2016 (12)
  • September 2016 (13)
  • August 2016 (9)
  • July 2016 (4)
  • June 2016 (11)
  • May 2016 (13)
  • April 2016 (13)
  • March 2016 (12)
  • February 2016 (12)
  • January 2016 (14)
  • December 2015 (13)
  • November 2015 (23)
  • October 2015 (12)
  • September 2015 (13)
  • August 2015 (13)
  • July 2015 (14)
  • June 2015 (12)
  • May 2015 (14)
  • April 2015 (12)
  • March 2015 (13)
  • February 2015 (12)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (13)
  • November 2014 (13)
  • October 2014 (14)
  • September 2014 (11)
  • August 2014 (15)
  • July 2014 (13)
  • June 2014 (13)
  • May 2014 (13)
  • April 2014 (13)
  • March 2014 (13)
  • February 2014 (12)
  • January 2014 (11)
  • December 2013 (27)
  • November 2013 (22)
  • October 2013 (9)
  • September 2013 (10)
  • August 2013 (9)
  • July 2013 (4)
  • June 2013 (5)
  • May 2013 (4)
  • April 2013 (4)
  • March 2013 (5)
  • February 2013 (4)
  • January 2013 (4)
  • December 2012 (5)
  • November 2012 (2)

Categories

Blogroll

  • Bible Ballistics on FaceBook
  • Get Polling
  • WordPress.com News

Christian Resources

  • Bible Gateway

Ministries

  • Hell's Best Kept Secret
  • Living Waters Publications
  • Precept Ministries
  • Pregnancy Resource Center of SW Oklahoma
  • Ship to Shore Ministries

Translate

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Join 186 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
%d bloggers like this: